Star Performer of the Week May 2-8

It was a rough week for the Astros, losing two of three in both Cincy and Pittsburgh. Adding injury to insult this week’s Star Performer was put on the disabled list Sunday morning. Jason Bourgeois had nine hits in 18 at-bats during the week but had to leave Saturday’s game with a strained left oblique. Bourgeois swiped four bases in his five games played and didn’t strike out once. Seeing an increase in playing time when Carlos Lee was hurt, Bourgeois used his bat and legs to force his way into the lineup even after El Caballo returned. The Houston native is now hitting over .400 and is tied for second in the National League with 12 stolen bases. Bourgeois teamed with fellow speedster Michael Bourn at the top of the lineup to add a new dynamic to the offense and put extra pressure on opposing pitchers and catchers. Joe Inglett was called up to replace Bourgeois on the active roster.

Hunter Pence had another outstanding week and extended his hitting streak to twelve games. Pence was 8 for 24 with six RBIs to achieve runner-up status. J.A. Happ was the only Astros pitcher to make two starts this week and earns an honorable mention. Happ got the win on Tuesday and was in line to pick up another victory today until Fernando Abad’s eighth inning meltdown. Abad gave up his third homer of the year and dropped his record to 1-3. The lefty has been doing his best Brandon Lyon impersonation recently and now has a 7.50 ERA for the year. The Astros head home to face the Reds tomorrow. Aneury Rodriguez will make his second start against the Reds. AnRod shut down Cincinnati for five innings on Wednesday to earn honorable mention here as well.